CNN Travel "We hired Andras to escort us to the Lake Balaton region. Though largely unknown outside the region, it's a great year-round destination to pair with visit to Budapest, just an hour's drive away. Many of the hillside vineyards offer cellar tours and tastings. Lake Balaton is long and thin, running from east to west. Throughout this day-long excursion you will be exploring the northern bank of the lake, with towns like Balatonfüred, Tihany and Badacsony. Explore Bosnia, Serbia, Croatia but also Hungary through our excursions combining nature and culture. It's One of Europe's Top Sailing Destinations. You get to see the largest freshwater lake of Central Europe, Lake Balaton.Our first stop is Balatonfüred which is a lovely small town on the north shore of Lake Balaton.. We invite you for a short city sightseeing with a „nostalgia train”.Before a one-hour cruise on the Lake Balaton, you will have time to walk along the picturesque promenade and have something to eat. Balatonföldvár lies in an ideal position to visit key points of interest on Lake Balaton. Highlights include Laposa Birtok, which features a large terrace overlooking the lake; and Homola, a family-run winery in Paloznak that offers tastings paired with snacks and live music events. Locally sourced, seasonal ingredients feature heavily on the menu in dishes like pickled cucumber soup and pork belly with green bean stew. The fact that the city of Esztergom was once originally the capital of Hungary over 1000 … You Can Swim in Summer and Ice Skate in Winter, It's One of Europe's Top Sailing Destinations, There Is a Massive Electronic Musical Festival, There's a Cycle Track Around the Entire Lake, Cultura Exclusive/Gary John Norman/Getty Images, You Can Boat Through Caves in an Underground Lake. Nicknamed “The Hungarian Sea”, Central Europe’s biggest lake is a cherished destination for generations of Magyars who holiday along its 236-kilometer-long coastline, with varied attractions offering something for everyone. Reaching Lake Balaton from Budapest. Lake Balaton's prestigious Blue Ribbon (Kékszalag) sailing competition attracts huge crowds every summer. You can also catch a bus from Népliget Station, but with frequent stops along the route, that can be a time-consuming trip. Best time for horse riding, sailing, hiking with us. With the self-guided Balaton tour and transfer you will be able to have an unforgettable trip of the largest lake in Central-Europe while keeping your independence and staying comfortable. Lake Balaton is the largest lake in Central Europe and a great place to complete your visit to Budapest! Lake Balaton is located less than 100 km west of the Hungarian capital. A Hungarian friend of mine has met groups of British lads at the lake; they rent a car at Budapest Airport and head up for a short break. Balatonfüred | Hévíz | Keszthely | Siófok | Tihany, Our website uses cookies as a means of enhancing the experience of our visitors. On the northern shore near the town of Keszhely, Heviz is Europe's largest thermal lake. For spectaular views of the lake and a menu full of traditional dishes and wines from the Balatonfüred-Csopak region, Ferenc Pince Csárda on the Tihany Peninsula is hard to beat. You can spend your time floating in the waters around the historic bathing house or book a soothing massage. Skydiving Budapest/Hungary/Europe - Tandem skydive form 4000 m (13000 ft) from Mi-8 helicopter - breathtaking views of the Lake Balaton! Escape the hustle and bustle of Budapest on a 10-hour scenic tour to Lake Balaton on the Tihany Peninsula, and visit the world’s largest manufacturer of porcelain in the lakeside town of Herend. A wide path encircles the entire lake along a route that encompasses 93 miles of coastline. It's Europe's longest round-the-lake sailing event and sees competitors navigate a 93-mile route in the fastest time possible within a 48-hour period. There are rental shops in the major resorts and plenty of pit stops along the way to pick up drinks, ice cream, and traditional Hungarian beach food like fried fish and lángos (a flat savory donut topped with sour cream). Luxury properties for Sale in Lake Balaton - More than 16 quality advertisements near Lake Balaton. Otherwise, you can take a train from Déli Station in Buda or Keleti Station in Pest to resorts like Balatonfüred, Badacsony and Siófok, which gets you there at a slower pace: between two and four hours. We could think that coming with little kids on vacation, hiking is an … Find all the transport options for your trip from Budapest to Balaton Sound right here. On the western side of Lake Balaton, there is the Castle of Csesznek that remained from the middle ages. Painted artworks & Poster maquettes At 48 miles (77 kilometers) in length and seven miles (11 kilometers) at its widest point, Balaton is Central Europe’s largest freshwater lake and landlocked Hungary’s prime summer playground, with spectacular scenery and swim-friendly milky green waters. But it's especially appealing in the summer, when you can cool off from the Hungarian heat at one of the many lakeside resorts that dot the shoreline. From Lake Balaton to Budapest, embark on a unique cruise to discover the majestic Danube and Sava rivers. The more than 700-year-old building is built on top of a mountain, which also means that watching the sunset can be combined with a historical trip back to the Kingdom of Hungary. Cities . The north side of the lake is home to established resorts like Balatonfüred and Balatonalmádi, where you can relax on grassy banks by the water, while the south side has more of a party vibe with a lively club scene in resort towns like Siófok and expansive artificial sandy beaches in Fonyód and Balatonlelle. Small posters & Ephemera. The lake is fringed by beach resorts, a national park, and wine-producing vineyards. Cisterian monks planted Badacsony's first vines in the 14th century and the Pinot Gris grapes that grow in the area are still referred to as Szürkebarát (grey monk). This 10 meter long, 8.5 t boat can accommodate 8 passengers on board. The region was a true gem. To explore the lake at a more leisurely pace, consider renting a boat or chartering a yacht with a skipper from one of the large marinas in Balatonfüred, Siófok or on the Tihany Peninsula. President-elect Joe Biden spent his honeymoon with First-Lady-to-be Jill Biden in Hungary in 1977. It's a freshwater lake, but it's a striking milky green color because of the algae that grows in the shallow waters. Foodies flock from far and wide to Kistücsök on the south shore of the lake. Rome2rio makes travelling from Budapest to Balaton Sound easy. Zoltán Molnár, 48, a successful entrepreneur from Budapest, says Lake Balaton is a love affair that starts in childhood and continues right through to … To embark on a boat trip through the caves, pay a small fee at the Tapolca Lake Cave Visitor Centre, where you can learn more about caves in 10 special installations. Private tour from Budapest to a top hidden treasure region of Europe: Lake Balaton "When the mood strikes for the gorgeous countryside, every Hungarian knows where to go: Lake Balaton." The north side of the lake is a prime wine-growing region, particularly around Badacsony, where the fertile soil contains volcanic rock and is rich in minerals. Lake Balaton is almost 50 miles long and 10 miles wide at its widest point. If you have a car, the M7 motorway to Siófok is the fastest road to get to the lake’s northern shore. The average water temperature in the summer months is around 25 degrees centigrade (77 degrees farenheit), and the safe shallow waters make it a great destination for families. The experience will please everyone from lovers of relaxation, hiking and oenology to water sports and outdoor activities. LakeBalaton It has an area of 598 square km (231 square miles) and extends for 77 km (48 miles) along the southern foothills of the Bakony Mountains of Hungary. … Considered one of Hungary's best restaurants, it serves fine dining dishes in a laid-back setting. There's also a hospital in the area for treatments based around water therapy. 8 of the Most Beautiful Places in Hungary. Founded by the team behind Budapest's legendary Sziget Festival, Balaton Sound is one of Europe's biggest open-air electronic music festivals. In winter, the surface of the lake can freeze over and when it's thick enough you can go ice skating and even ice sailing. It has an area of 231 square miles (598 square km) and extends for 48 miles (77 km) along the southern foothills of the Bakony Mountains of Hungary. Previous acts include Tiësto and David Guetta. Additionally the surrounding cities and resort towns of Lake Balaton offer a wide variety of historical landmarks, nature trails, sports activities and colorful events to visitors of all ages and interests. The Balaton region is one of Hungary’s most popular destinations; where you can trek in the beautiful National Park, go hiking up the mountains and hills that offer outstanding panoramas, or where you can rest your weary body and soul at any of the numerous wellness and spa hotels. The average depth is 3-4 meters. day-trip from Budapest C innamon is a Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 36i boat in the harbor of Balatonföldvár, Hungary. While a few settlements on Lake Balaton, including Balatonfüred and Hévíz, have long been resort centres for the Hungarian aristocracy, it was only in the late 19th century that the Hungarian middle class began to visit the lake. The couple visited Budapest and lake Balaton after their wedding under the auspices of an unconventional honeymoon, bringing along Joe Biden’s … With this flexible option, you can customize your itinerary and look forward to discovering highlights like Festetics Palace, the Balaton Museum, Sumeg Castle, and more. But they’re in the minority. Time a trip in August to enjoy the Balatonfüred Wine Weeks, an event that showcases around 250 different types of wine from the region. The offensive began in great secrecy on 6 March 1945 with an offensive near Lake Balaton, an area with the last significant oil reserves still available to the Axis powers. Fantastic value for this house set in only a walking distance from the local thermal spa, and restaurant-and 3.5km from the city centre of Zalaszentgrót. Lake Balaton only 20 … Continuing to browse our site indicates that you agree to our use of cookies. Balatonfüred, Tihanyi műút 1, 8230 Hungary. Many of the lakeside resorts along the shoreline cater to children with artificial sandy beaches, playgrounds, sports pitches and paddle boats. Buy. Here are some of Lake Balaton’s major hotspots, followed by details about traveling to the region from Budapest. Lake Balaton is the most important and best-known tourist destination in Hungary with over 2000 hours of sunshine a year. Lake Balaton is home to beautiful landscapes surrounded by historic castles, rustic villages and small towns, and luscious vineyards. There's a whole other world to explore beneath Lake Balaton. You can explore Lake Balaton on two wheels without encountering any road traffic. On the South bank shallower, on the North bank deeper. Attractions include a Bat Room, a Dripstone Room, a Cave Divers’ Room, and a Climbing Wall. By using Tripsavvy, you accept our. Thank you George i will look in to flight from Budapest to lake Balaton see what they come up with if not looks like i will have to hire a car then i will get lost and never to be seen again haha. While there are trains and buses that take you to Lake Balaton, these wineries are tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the town and require cars to reach them. Lake Balaton is just over an hour’s drive from Budapest. Balaton Climate. You can indulge in leisurely rejuvenation and relaxation, sail across the calm waters of the lake or take a tranquil cruise. Spring, Autumn : April, May, September, October: mild , wonderful touristic season, 17 – 24 °C daytime and high rate of sunny hours, with occurrent showers . Balaton (Plattensee in German) is major lake in Hungary and the biggest lake in Central Europe. The lake provides many kinds of fish, the forests of the region provide game, and the gardens with their high quality soil yield flavourful fruits which all contribute to the delight of visitors.The favourable soil quality and the high number of sunny hours are primarily responsible for the zest of the pitted fruits produced in the region. Note: Lake Balaton region is also in a drivable distance from other European cities of Zagreb, Ljubljana, Bratislava, and Graz. Around the lake you can roam the north shore's rolling hills, climb an extinct volcano in the Tapolca Basin, pick your own plants in Tihany's lavender fields and spot wild boar, lynx and stag in the Balaton Uplands National Park. As you go, learn about the region’s rich history, and stop for a local meal (own expense). Balaton is the biggest lake in Hungary, and in Central-Eastern Europe with its 590, km2 water surface. Budapest Lake Balaton Danube Bend Western Hungary Priority Agglomeration Other regions. 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The healing sulphuric waters are naturally heated to around 30°C (86°F) and are said to help promote relaxation and ease ailments like rheumatism. You can try the fragrant wines of the region and enjoy tasty dishes that are renowned throughout Europe, whilst experiencing the friendly, local hospitality.Europe’s largest thermal water lake; a golf course with one of the most magnificent views and the first written historical memento of the Hungarian language held in an ancient abbey, can all be found in the Balaton region. Being the largest lake in Central Europe, it provides a considerable surface for water lovers to enjoy the moment to the fullest in many different ways. Once you're in the area, frequent local buses run between towns on the lake. In the little town of Tapolca, adventurous travelers can boat through the eerie bluish waters of interlocking lake caves under the town's houses and shops. Address. Lake Balaton, largest lake of central Europe, located in central Hungary about 50 miles (80 km) southwest of Budapest. Lake Balaton, nicknamed the Hungarian Sea, is Hungary's second most popular tourist destination after Budapest.... Top 10 exhibitions in Budapest Budapest offers many exhibitions, permanent or temporary, not to be missed during your stay. Our offers in this region: Lake Balaton - More than 16 quality advertisements near Lake Balaton. More information>. Balázs Frei 2020.11.09. It is very large (the largest lake in Central Europe) and while the towns are connected by train service, the trains run every one to three hours, and it takes more than an hour to go from one end of the lake to the other. Arriving to the Hungarian sea by car is relatively easy – you just have to follow motorway M7 from Budapest. The five-day event takes place in Zamárdi on the lake's southern shore and the site features floating bars, food trucks, a camping area and chill out zones dotted with hammocks and bean bags. The Coulee Corridor National Scenic Byway: It's Amazing! The northeast corner of the lake is just an hour's drive from Budapest, and it's best to rent a car if you're looking to explore several towns in one trip. If you're looking for an easier ride, head to the south side of the lake, where the bike paths are flatter. No motorized sports are allowed on the lake, which makes windsurfing and kitesurfing all the more enjoyable. Surrounded by vineyards, volcanic mountains, and thermal spa resorts, Lake Balaton is a stunning body of water in western Hungary that attracts sun seekers, foodies, music lovers, and watersports fans from neighboring countries to Central Europe's largest lake. In German ) is major lake in Central Europe treatments based around water therapy route! 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